Florida lands Vernon Hargreaves III

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's marquee recruiting event of the year, Friday Night Lights, still is a day away. But the Gators secured a commitment from Vernon Hargreaves III, the No. 4-ranked player in the country, on Thursday.

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The 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back chose the Gators over Clemson, Miami, Vanderbilt and Notre Dame. Hargreaves (Tampa, Fla./Wharton) announced his decision on Twitter after visiting Florida on Thursday.

A five-star prospect, Hargreaves tweeted: "I can officially say I am committed to THE University of Florida ! #GoGators CHOMP CHOMP"

Hargreaves, who already has committed to play in the Under Armour All-America game in January, becomes the highest ranked Florida commit. Seventeen of Florida's 18 verbal commits are rated four-star prospects or higher, and 12 are listed on the ESPN 300.

If Hargreaves follows through with his pledge to Florida, he could become the highest ranked recruit that Florida coach Will Muschamp has landed.

Hargreaves could not attend Friday Night Lights because he is participating in the Gridiron Kings 7-on-7 tournament in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., this weekend.